Franklin Graham Addresses Christian Persecution Summit:

'The Persecution of One Christian Affects Us All'

by Veronica Neffinger

A world summit for persecuted Christians is being held in Washington D.C. this week. Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse PresidentFranklin Graham spoke at the summit, giving a moving summary of the suffering faced by Christians around the world.

“As it has been said, the persecution of one Christian, affects us all,” Graham told the 130 Christian leaders gathered in America’s capital. “I would like to remind all of us that no one has suffered more than our Lord Jesus Christ. May the story of the Lord Jesus Christ and His suffering for us be the focus of the primary message of this conference.”

Graham went on to speak of Coptic Christians in Egypt who have been suffering increased persecution and Russian Christianswho faced persecution under a Communist government and who are still facing discriminationtoday. “Other Christians face persecution in societies that are riddled with corruption and lawlessness, drug cartels. Or, they are killed or imprisoned because of civil wars or tribal conflict," he continued, according to TheChristian Post.

Despite the intense persecution faced by so many Christ-followers, Graham also shared words of hope for those who are suffering:

In the “midst of the Church’s darkest day,” said Graham, Christ’s promises remain true. "'I will build my church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it,' he said, quoting Matthew16:18.

Graham then issued a challenge to his brothers and sisters in the faith:"Today, powerful, demonic forces that are absolutely opposed to Christ and His Church reach across the natural borders and cultures to seek Jesus Christ and His followers as their enemies in their struggle for worldwide domain. We must not be naive, nor can we afford to be complacent or unprepared for the challenge in these dark forces."